The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched the second phase of its initiative to suspend mobile SIMs as part of efforts to curb illegal usage.
This phase specifically targets individuals whose identity cards expired before 2017 and have not been renewed. In the initial phase, the PTA suspended SIMs that were linked to fake identity cards or those that had been canceled.
Since August 16, more than 69,000 illegal SIMs have been deactivated. The upcoming third phase will focus on suspending SIMs registered under the names of deceased individuals.
The PTA receives data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify and block these illegal SIMs. As part of this initiative, the PTA has already released new lists of SIMs to be blocked and announced a charge for disowning SIMs.
To restore their blocked SIMs, affected users will need to obtain new, valid identity cards from NADRA. After obtaining the updated ID cards, they must visit their mobile operator or a franchise to get their SIMs unblocked through biometric verification.
Moreover, the PTA has issued a warning that any SIMs issued against expired identity cards from before 2017 will also be blocked within a week. Users can prevent this by renewing their ID cards through NADRA and ensuring their SIMs are verified.
This comprehensive crackdown is part of the PTA’s broader efforts to eliminate the use of illegal and unauthorized SIMs, which pose significant security risks. By working closely with NADRA, the PTA aims to ensure that all active SIMs in the country are registered under valid and current identity information, thereby reducing the potential for misuse and fraud.
